College football rivalries represent the sport’s most captivating theater, where passionate fan bases, generations of tradition, and championship dreams collide in unforgettable showdowns.
These traditional rivalries have taken on heightened importance in the expanded 12-team playoff format, where conference championships and strength of schedule carry enormous weight in determining seeding and selection. For fans looking to enhance their viewing experience, understanding the dynamics and betting implications of these games becomes crucial, which is why consulting a comprehensive CFB betting guide can provide valuable insights into spreads, totals, and strategic considerations that make these rivalry clashes even more compelling.
1. Michigan vs. Ohio State – “The Game” (November 29, 2025)
The granddaddy of college football rivalries returns to Ann Arbor for its 121st meeting, with Michigan leading the all-time series 62-51-6. This rivalry has defined Big Ten football for over a century, and the 2025 edition carries extraordinary stakes as both programs vie for playoff positioning.
Historical Context: The rivalry reached legendary status during the “Ten Year War” between coaches Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler from 1969-1978. ESPN ranked this as the greatest North American sports rivalry in 2000, and it has decided the Big Ten Conference championship 22 times through 2010.
Recent Momentum: Michigan has dominated the recent series, winning four consecutive games from 2021-2024. Despite Ohio State’s national championship in 2024, they couldn’t solve the Michigan puzzle, falling 13-10 in Columbus last season. ESPN predicts Michigan will extend their streak to five straight victories, citing the psychological pressure mounting on Ohio State coach Ryan Day.
2025 Stakes: Both teams enter with significant playoff implications. Ohio State sits at No. 1 in current rankings with championship aspirations, while Michigan at No. 20 seeks to prove their recent success wasn’t a fluke. The winner likely secures the Big Ten East division and a path to the conference championship game.
2. Alabama vs. Auburn – Iron Bowl (November 29, 2025)
The Iron Bowl returns to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium for one of the SEC’s most heated rivalries, with Alabama holding a 51-37-1 advantage in the 89-game series. This Thanksgiving weekend tradition has produced some of college football’s most memorable moments.
Historical Significance: Dating back to 1893, the Iron Bowl earned its name from Birmingham’s industrial heritage as a steel-producing center. The rivalry has been played at neutral sites, in Tuscaloosa, and in Auburn, with the current home-and-home format beginning in 1989.
Championship Implications: From 2009-2013, five consecutive Iron Bowl winners advanced to the BCS National Championship Game, highlighting the rivalry’s national importance. Alabama enters 2025 ranked No. 10 in the AP Poll with SEC championship aspirations after their crucial victory over Georgia.
Current Dynamics: Alabama needs strong SEC play to secure a playoff berth, with the Iron Bowl representing a potential season-defining moment. Auburn, despite lower expectations, has historically played spoiler in this rivalry, including memorable upsets that derailed Alabama’s championship hopes.
3. Red River Rivalry – Oklahoma vs. Texas (October 11, 2025)
The Red River Rivalry takes center stage at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas, featuring two programs in their second SEC season. Texas leads the all-time series 64-51-5, but recent meetings have been highly competitive.
Neutral Site Magic: Since 1932, this rivalry has been played at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, creating a unique atmosphere with split crowds and carnival backdrop. The winner receives the Golden Hat trophy, symbolizing superiority in this border rivalry.
Recent History: The 2023 meeting featured undefeated teams for the first time since 2011, with Oklahoma winning 34-30 on a last-second touchdown. The 2024 game, their first as SEC members, saw Texas dominate 34-3, but both teams expect a more competitive 2025 matchup.
SEC Implications: Both programs face pressure to establish themselves in the SEC hierarchy. Texas A&M currently leads SEC championship odds at +650, while Oklahoma sits at +800, making this rivalry game crucial for conference positioning.
4. Georgia vs. Florida – World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (November 1, 2025)
The Georgia-Florida rivalry continues its Jacksonville tradition at EverBank Stadium, though future neutral-site status remains uncertain with stadium renovations planned. Georgia has dominated recently, winning seven of the last eight meetings under Kirby Smart.
Jacksonville Tradition: This rivalry has been played in Jacksonville since 1933 (with rare exceptions), creating one of college football’s few remaining neutral-site traditions. The game attracts massive crowds and economic impact to northeastern Florida.
Championship Stakes: Georgia enters as defending SEC champions with high playoff expectations. Some analysts predict this could be Georgia’s first loss of 2025, citing Florida’s potential for defensive improvement. The winner gains significant momentum in the SEC East race.
Future Uncertainty: The rivalry will move to Atlanta (2026) and Tampa (2027) while EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations, making the 2025 game potentially the last in Jacksonville for several years.
5. Miami vs. Florida State (Already Played – October 4, 2025)
While technically in the past for our current Week 7 timeframe, the recent Miami-Florida State clash deserves recognition as it exemplified why rivalry games matter in the expanded playoff era. No. 3 Miami defeated No. 18 Florida State 28-22 in Tallahassee, marking the first time since 2016 both teams were ranked when they met.
Rivalry Renewed: This matchup represented a return to prominence for both programs, with genuine ACC championship and playoff implications. Miami’s victory gave them back-to-back wins over Florida State for the first time since 2003-04.
State Championship Claims: Miami players celebrated with “Back to Back State Champs” signs after defeating Florida, South Florida, and Florida State in consecutive seasons. The win solidified Miami’s position as the ACC favorite and kept their undefeated season intact.
In the expanded 12-team format, every game carries weight, but rivalry victories provide momentum, conference positioning, and the intangible benefits that come from beating your biggest rival. As November approaches, these matchups will likely determine conference championships, playoff seeding, and ultimately, which teams have the opportunity to compete for college football’s ultimate prize.